Media Distribution Device for Low-Latency Audio Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media distribution systems face challenges in achieving low-latency audio content transmission to multiple electronic devices, leading to unsynchronized audio outputs and noticeable delays, especially when paired with video content, which can be off-putting to viewers.
Innovation Solution
A centralized media distribution device configures a private wireless network to minimize latency by selecting channels with minimal traffic, employs buffering strategies based on video content delays, and uses packet loss concealment to ensure synchronized audio outputs across devices, while also transmitting voice inputs through separate networks to avoid congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio content is transmitted wirelessly to multiple electronic devices, then media distribution capability is improved, but transmission latency increases causing audio-visual desynchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication interface into two distinct networks: a first network (e.g., 5G/Private network) dedicated to audio content transmission with minimal latency, and a second network (e.g., Wi-Fi) for voice input transmission. This segmentation allows audio data to be transmitted through the optimized first network path, reducing transmission latency and preventing audio-visual desynchronization while maintaining versatile media distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device acts as an intermediary by receiving audio content from a media player, processing it through a low-latency communication path, and distributing it to multiple output devices. The device mediates between the media player and multiple audio output devices, ensuring synchronized delivery through careful network selection and latency management
2Productivity
If voice inputs are transmitted through the same network as audio content, then network utilization is improved, but network congestion increases causing latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides network traffic into separate channels: audio content traverses the first network (5G/Private) while voice inputs use the second network (Wi-Fi). This segmentation prevents network congestion by eliminating traffic competition, ensuring that audio transmission latency remains minimal even as network utilization increases across both networks
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates separate communication pathways for different data types, essentially copying the network infrastructure into two parallel channels with different optimization characteristics. This allows simultaneous high-utilization transmission of both audio content and voice inputs without mutual interference
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a media distribution device including a first network interface, a second network interface, and a first processor. The first processor configures the first network interface to use a first communication network, and broadcasts, using the first communication network, audio data. The system includes a media device including a third network interface, a fourth network interface, and a second processor. The second processor causes, using the third network interface, the media device to join the first communication network, receives, using the third network interface, a first portion of the audio data, processes the first portion of the audio data to generate first audio output, and transmits, using the fourth network interface, a control signal to the second network interface of the media distribution device. The control signal is configured to cause the first processor to modify an attribute of the audio data or stop broadcasting the audio data.